The apadrinaunolivo.org initiative calls for a robust national and regional law to safeguard people and the centuries-old olive trees facing abandonment and theft. These losses are driven by exposure and, in many cases, the perception that traditional models are less profitable than intensive farming practices.
Recently, apadrinaunolivo.org brought together a range of representatives to explore solutions. Participants included members of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and officials from the Government of Aragon, gathered through Think Town to discuss a path forward.
Environmental journalist César-Javier Palacios joined the conversation and has previously campaigned to protect millennial olive trees in the Mediterranean and to prevent their plunder by European institutions. José Eugenio Gutiérrez Ureña of SEO/BirdLife contributed as part of the Olivares Vivos initiative, a global study of olive grove biodiversity led by researchers from the University of Jaén and CSIC. This project supports the LIFE program and the Living Olive Groves model, underscoring the vital role of olive groves in European biodiversity. Víctor Vidal, an agronomist with apadrinaunolivo.org, also participated.
All attendees agreed that declaring centuries-old olive trees as Natural Heritage is not a straightforward solution given resource constraints. A practical alternative is needed to ensure their protection without overburdening the system.
Gregorio Chamorro, representing MITECO as District President for Forest Policy and Combating Desertification, noted the complexity of enacting a national law dedicated to centuries-old olive trees. Palacios highlighted the public’s limited awareness of these ancient specimens and the need to elevate their significance within society.
“Conserving centuries-old olive trees matters because many are in decline. It takes generations to grow an olive tree eligible to reach such ages, and we cannot rush that process.”
José Eugenio Gutiérrez emphasized strengthening and promoting traditional olive groves through agricultural policy instruments such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). He argued that rural development funds should prioritize preservation and that communities should develop a culture around olive oil and its origin. This would help consumers recognize the value of supporting traditional olive groves and encourage investment in sustainable practices.
An initiative with 9,000 godparents and godmothers
Víctor Vidal spoke about political efforts to raise awareness of life in traditional olive groves, in villages, and in the broader ecosystem that supports species like olive trees. He described a shared commitment to protecting these landscapes while sustaining rural livelihoods.
From its start, apadrinaunolivo.org aimed to save 100,000 abandoned olive trees around Oliete in Teruel through an innovative, social, and sustainable sponsorship model. The campaign has already attracted nearly 9,000 sponsors and continues to seek new donors to expand its impact.
Organizers plan to gather more signatures on Change.org to raise visibility and awareness. They also intend to begin formal talks with authorities to promote legal protections for centuries-old olive trees.
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This ongoing effort reflects a broader movement to acknowledge the cultural and ecological value of olive groves and to secure a future for the trees that have shaped regional landscapes for centuries.
Contact information for the environmental department has been kept private to protect privacy and safety.